Demetra Logothetis (DH M.S. '86)

This honor annually recognizes an outstanding graduate for his or her lifelong commitment and contributions to the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry, the UMKC Dental Hygienists’ Alumni Association and the profession of dental hygiene.

After receiving her master of science degree from the UMKC School of Dentistry in 1986, Logothetis headed for Albuquerque , N.M. , where she joined the faculty of the University of New Mexico (UNM). In 1996 she became director of the dental hygiene program. She successfully led the effort at UNM to elevate the associate of science in dental hygiene degree to a bachelor of science in dental hygiene degree. She also was responsible for developing and implementing the master of science degree program in dental hygiene at UNM, which will begin in fall 2001. Logothetis has authored a textbook, a textbook chapter, and numerous articles. Her research emphasis is in the area of obstructive sleep apnea and its dental implications, bacterial aerosol production, and infection control. She sits on the Western Regional Clinical Subcommittee and is an editor for Dental Hygiene Contact International. She has been an active community leader by developing the Medicaid Healthy Smiles Program for Albuquerque Public Schools and by participating in educational presentations to the New Mexico School of the Deaf, Ronald McDonald House, Cuidando Los Ninos daycare for the homeless, and others.